Monday, August 1, 2011

Taking the IRRITATION out of INVITATIONS!

When I was researching invitations for my wedding I found it ridiculous how much money these sheets of paper were going to cost us. Even the simplest invites with a white background and black lettering were more than $1.00 a piece, plus the cost of RSVP cards, reception cards, envelopes, address labels then any other details one feels they need to church it all up like seals, confetti, ribbon, and tulle added up to more than I wanted to spend on something that my guests were going to tear apart and eventually trash. It all seemed like a terrible waste, and then I realized that I hadn't even thought about the stamps! So, I did the math and I'd need a stamp on the outside of the envelopes of course (and I was lucky to only need 60 invitations), then a stamp on the return envelopes (that's 60 more), stamps for the rehearsal dinner invites (25 more), and finally the stamps for all the thank you notes from the showers, parties, and wedding gifts (about 80 total). That's 225 stamps and $100 for my 100 person event. That is before any stationary and there is no way to make your own stamps to save money. So, I found a paper bag to breathe in and thought about eloping for a while and then I remembered that we already paid the deposit for the hall and started trying to figure out little tricks to save money.
First, think about the people closest to you. Would they really think you're rude if you handed them their invitations or thank you notes in person? Probably not. They probably would love it because they would have a chance to visit and chat. Also, they could give the RSVP back and that saves you two stamps right there! Or, make use of your wedding website and have guests RSVP online!! Say you spent countless hours and days hand making these invites by hand, wouldn't it be great to show them off and see their reaction in person?
Second, think outside the envelope! Who says that you have to send out invitations at all? If you are having a more relaxed, informal wedding or just throwing a party for close friends and family to celebrate after your destination wedding start thinking about creative ways to tell your guests the important information they need to know. My first thought is online invites using your wedding website or there are a ton of websites that specialize in these virtual invites. It's also a great tree saver as well as a tongue saver! You pay for the amount of time that the invites are available online and they have options where you can create invites for all your wedding events! Also, if you are tech savvy you could create your own invite from scratch and save even more! 
So, then there are the guests that still refuse to use a computer. It's going to be tough getting them to see that online invite unless you go to them with your computer and show them in person. You could do it, but either way you are most likely going to need to print something off for them to consult at a later date, because they are never going to be able to find it again without you. Think about a paper option for them, most likely these people will be your grandparents or great aunts and uncles and they are going to want something to hold and save! Remember they are old fashioned and love all those niceties that the younger generation take for granted, so maybe even hand write theirs on cute cards. Throw in some sweet words and memories, and they will gush like Old Faithful! Trust me!
My last idea is something I found recently, and I feel like it's the best bet for a large, informal shindig! Create your own wedding poster!!! Depending on your style you could model it after your favorite movie or band poster or make something completely original. Maybe use your engagement photos or just some of your favorite candid shots of the two of you. This could also be a great wedding announcement idea for afterwards and use your favorite wedding day shot!! 

There are so many, many ways to make this day your own all you have to do is look at it another way, get creative, and have fun! Don't be afraid to do something off the wall especially if it represents you! If you had an original invitation idea please share it by commenting below, and send me a picture! I'm a visual person.

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